Build Your Future in Aviation
The Airline Customer Service, Airport Operations, and Aviation Management Programs prepare students for employment and advancement as an airline customer service agent, operations agent, or aviation management professional. These programs provide students with the foundational skills, practical knowledge, communication skills, and technical training necessary for a career in the aviation industry. Students completing these programs will develop an understanding of the safety, security, service, and regulatory requirements necessary to work in aviation management. You will learn key tips from industry professionals about how to be successful in the competitive hiring process, in the rigorous training, and in advancing your career.
Our three primary goals are:
- To prepare you to be successful in the competitive hiring process
- To prepare you to pass the rigorous training requirements and FAA exams
- To provide college credit toward certificates, degrees, and transfer that will prepare you for career advancement opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Students may choose to begin with a basic certificate, leading to an advanced certificate, and/or an associate’s degree in Airline Customer Services (ticket agent), Airport Operations (ramp and operations control agent), or Aviation Management (includes all aspects of airline and aviation management). Students may also choose to dual major in areas such as airline customer service or flight attendant and then apply some of their coursework to the management degree as well. All courses are degree applicable and transferable to a four-year university.
Students may attend full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take between 12 to 18 units per semester. Basic certificates (18 units) can be earned in one to two semesters, advanced certificates (35 units) in two to three semesters, and AS degrees (60 units) in two years. Courses are offered on campus, online, during the day and in the evenings.
The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is 3 units per course. Unit fees for a basic 18-unit certificate would be $828; an advanced certificate would be $1,610; and a 60-unit associate degree would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some financial aid.
Airline Operations Agent, $56,060 median annual salary
Ramp Agent, $42,820 median annual salary
Customer Service Ticket Agent, $36,280 median annual salary
Airfield Operations Specialist, $52,360 median annual salary
Airport Operations, $52,360 median annual salary
Graduates work in all of the major airlines, including Alaska, American, Cathay Pacific, Compass, Delta, Emirates, JetBlue, SkyWest, Southwest, United, Virgin America, Hallmark Aviation, Swissport Aviation, and more.
Graduates also work at Los Angeles World Airports, Long Beach Airport, John Wayne Airport, Ontario Airport, Van Nuys Airport, Boeing, Jet Flite International, and more.
Airline Customer Services Basic Certificate =18 units (1 to 2 semesters)
Airline Customer Services Advanced Certificate = 35 units (2 to 3 semesters)
Airline Customer Services Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)
Airport Operations Basic Certificate = 18 Units (1 to 2 semesters)
Aviation Management Certificate = 35 units (2 to 3 semesters)
Aviation Management Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)
There are no academic prerequisites or test to begin this program; however, there are job requirements that you should review before you begin your coursework. For example, you may need to pass a physical exam and a 10-year background check, and you may need a U.S. Passport. Some careers may have additional requirements such as the need to wear a uniform within specified guidelines such as conservative hairstyles and no visible tattoos. While each industry will have unique requirements, you may want to investigate your options or talk privately to the program coordinator if you have any personal concerns or questions.
Captain Ed Valdez, Department Coordinator
Technical Education 1-210
(714) 484-7253
evaldez@cypresscollege.edu
Part-time Faculty:
Curt Castagna: ccastagna@cypresscollege.edu
Jeff Co: jco@cypresscollege.edu
Elizabeth “Beth” Ennis:eennis@cypresscollege.edu
Chuck Gifford: cgifford@cypresscollege.edu
Jacqueline Aguet Graham:jaguetgraham@cypresscollege.edu
Sherry Groff: sgroff@cypresscollege.edu
Larry Hack:lhack@cypresscollege.edu
Michael “Mike” Hannah: mhannah@cypresscollege.edu
Marilyn “Mimi” Ivey: mivey@cypresscollege.edu
Jane Jepson: jjepson@cypresscollege.edu
Charmaine Kaimikaua: ckaimikaua@cypresscollege.edu
Steve McCormick: smccormick@cypresscollege.edu
Tommy Mellana: tmellana@cypresscollege.edu
Cira Oropeza: coropeza@cypresscollege.edu
Nancy Matsui: nmatsui@cypresscollege.edu
Iwalani “Evie” Palicz: epalicz@cypresscollege.edu
Kathleen Reiland: kreiland@cypresscollege.edu
Mary Ann Saunders: masaunders@cypresscollege.edu
Katy Straughan: kstraughan@cypresscollege.edu
Thomas Sutfin: tsutfin@cypresscollege.edu
James Wilcox: jwilcox@cypresscollege.edu
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Ed Valdez
Airline, Airport, & Aviation Management Department Coordinator
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Jane Jepson
CTE Division Counselor
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Cindy Cao
Division Office Manager
Median Salary in this Field
$36,280–$163,529 Per Year
Careers in this Field
Aviation Management
Airport Operations
Airline Operations Agent
Airfield Operations Specialist
Customer Service Ticket Agent, Ramp Agent
"Before Ohio State, I was at Cypress College. Loved it! I am now a Falcon 2000 Captain with NetJets."